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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Clarks Diamond Heart Shoe: Yea or Nay?

Readers, I had such fun talking shoes with you last week that I decided I needed to do more of these posts! Whenever the seasons change, I go into major shoe-buying mode. I'm trying to be strategic this time around, though, and think about what would really be useful in my wardrobe - rather than just buying every brightly-colored, uncomfortable pump I can get my grubby hands on. I don't own any beige shoes, and these Clarks heels look like they'd be a versatile basic. But, on the other hand . . . is there a good reason I don't own any beige shoes?

Am I veering into fuddy duddy territory? I personally think not, and I'm about 90% set on buying these shoes. But please do let me know if I'm making a fatal fashion mistake!

Also, what are your must-haves in your spring shoe wardrobe? Let's be strategic shoppers together! Look for more of my shoe picks in posts to come - I've got shoes on the brain, people.

These, I like. I've worn Clarks in the past, found them comfortable but not particularly long lasting. I like beige shoes because they are fairly versatile, but I tend to go for ones with an accent in a different color - otherwise, they sometimes look too much like weird barefoot. (Likewise, I always take a second glance at women wearing nude-colored, fitted t-shirts.)

As with any peep-toe shoe, I recommend making sure the toes are well groomed (trimmed, polished, no calluses, etc). In all honesty, sometimes I wear closed-toe shoes because I just can't bother to keep the feet in great condition. (Ugh, and with pregnancy, I can't even reach my feet anymore!)

I love these shoes but the deciding factor for me would be how they looked with your skin. Some beige shades look too much like they're trying to match skin the wearers skin color instead of just being subtle.

I heart Clarks, they are the most comfortable shoes and while they're always a borderline on looking like granny shoes, the Artisan line is pretty cool and definitely more stylish. I wear my 2" heels all day at work and I stand a minimum of 50% of that time, if not more. I love that shoe too, I've been eying that one for a while, although I'm not totally over-the-top on taupe/biege/nude as a color. But that's just me. These are cute!

I'm not a fan of straps in that spot because they shorten the leg, but with a nude color it should be okay. I am a fan of beige on a cool shoe -- it's super-practical. Otherwise the shoes are very cute and not granny at all because they're the sort of retro that's in.

Plus, isn't that why you have tattoos -- so you could wear anything and still not look staid? (I'm only half kidding... if I ever have a tattoo I'm sure I will take advantage of it to wear some decidedly unfashionable stuff that I like without losing my last shreds of cool!)

I for one just LOVE nude shoes and they are everywhere right now too. They are so perfect with light colored/textured spring dresses and also make your legs look super long if you are bare legged. I think this shoe is super cute and have heard nothing but good things about how comfortable clarks are. It is my opinion that you could get years and years of consistent, classic enough to be vintaged up or not wear of these. For me no "color" is granny-- just combos thereof and silhouettes/shapes/fits melina bee

actually I would also like to sort of agree with the comment above. Not that a tattoo keeps any look from being "staid" (fun word) but since your overall look/appearance/grooming is NOT at all dowdy, you can get away with something more subdued in the wardrobe/shoe dept. melina bee

My friend Juliette, who is the sewing equivalent of an old kung fu master (she used to design costumes for the Moulin Rouge, no less) told me beige shoes were her favs. Because they are of the same color as the skin, they add 10 cm to your legs, something I'd always be willing to get.

On the other hand, Juliette is 63, but it really doesn't matter to me. I'm 23 and still looking for beige heels.

I have to say, Clarks are coming out with more and more pretty and functional shoes instead of just plain and functional. I too say Yay to the beige shoes, they're a fab colour for summer, particularly with painted toe nails. They'll go with light coloured linen trousers, navy or red dresses ... well, you name it and they're the shoe! And what's more, as a Clarks shoe they'll be comfortable and good for your feet!

Maybe they'd seem more enticing if you thought of them as 'nude' or 'buff' rather than 'beige'? Whatever the colour is called, it's very leg-lengthening! I own quite a lot of Clarks shoes, and have always found them to be comfy and durable.

Yes! I am on team Diamond Heart. I tried on the closed toe version of these over the weekend and swooned. Have you tried them on? Sometimes Clarks can be tricky with sizing (European shoes can screw up their conversions to American shoe sizes. It may be worth trying them at a local store (Shoe Parlor on 7th Ave around 56th usually has most Clarks in stock).

They're a tad to beige to my taste (I'd prefer some pink or grey undertones) but otherwise the design is great !I wear my "nude" shoes with bright red nail polish, That may make them more or less grannyish but I like it :)

I'm not a fan of the shoes at all but a funny thing happens when a certain kind of person puts on something they love- they put it together in an outfit and make it work so well, everybody suddenly has to have it.. Gertie I think you are that certain kind of person :o)

Don't think of them as "beige," think of them as "nude," which sounds so much sexier! ;) Nude shoes are very in for spring and summer this year - and even better than that, they are very flattering to lighter-skinned women, since they sort-of match your skin tone, disappearing and thereby lengthening your leg line. And these specific shoes are super-cute!!

They're not fuddy-duddy at all! I love the strap and oversize button. Plus, beige shoes are nice and elongating to the legs. And they're perfect for spring and summer - not as harsh as black or brown shoes, and not as easily messed up as white. (Does my love of beige shoes make me fuddy-duddy?)

I've not done this bc I never wear heals but a close friend of mine likes to get her shoes that color at our local dance store. She buys ballroom dancing shoes and says they are super comfy and they come in some cute styles. Just in case you want to try somewhere else. I like how vintage those are. On a granny they would look like granny shoes but I bet you could totally rock them.

I just bought a pair of nude clark wedges and I love them. They are very tall but so comfy and stable. I owned a pair of nude heels in the 90's and wore them to death never finding another pair. This year they are every where and I love my new pair as much as the old. I feel a nude heel is an extension of the leg. They make legs beutifully long looking unlike a colored shoe which cuts the eye off. Try a pair on and you will be hooked!

I think they're cute! I remember reading a quote where Mary Tyler Moore said she always insisted on wearing beige shoes on her show because she had always felt they made you look taller and thinner when she was a dancer. I'm not sure that's true, but I love the quote!

Beige shoes don't look good on me because I am so pale, but it's a YMMV thing I think. I love Clarks and have several cute pairs.

So interesting reading all the comments about Clarks - I used to always have to wear them for school and "going out" shoes, because I had very narrow feet and Clarks were one of the few brands that fit. (Strange how as an adult, there's few brands that actually offer different widths)The shoe shop guy would always say "when you're older you'll be happy to have such narrow feet because you'll be able to wear beautiful high heels"... and I'm happy to say that yes, after a BUNION OPERATION at the age of 33(!!) I am, once again, rocking heels. I say go for those shoes - or any others you like - while you can!

a HUGE yes to thse adorable shoes! I have a very similar pair from Camper and love them to bits. your shoes will look amazing with skirts, but I also love them with a huge turn-up on jeans and a light coloured top. It says spring/summer to me but far easier to wear then white

When I saw the shoe I thought 'nude' not beige, which is always a great, sexy color shoe to have. But honestly I don't really like those, I don't like the strap or the big button. It reminds me of Modcloth.

I was looking at these same shoes earlier today! I think they're super cute personally(Love peep toes). If there's a store carrying Clarks near you (I would think you've got everything really, lol) You could always try them on to decide if you really like them?

As so many others have said - is it the right shade of nothing to go against your skin or likely hosiery? Personally, I am wary of plastic wooden heels, they can look a bit cheap. I prefer cork. And I would want ballet pink-type nude rather than "American Tan" - but then again that is probably down to my British skintones!Have you looked at Fly London shoes? I love them - comfort, style, colours - everything is right!

I like those. The buttons are great. These are the right side of grannyish for me - a shoe that hasn't forgotten to look cute!

That said, I'm very upset with Clarks at the moment. They have a very cute pair of cherry red 50s flat wedge sandals in their Original range (Vanilla Cream they're called, despite coming only in black and red...). Mine arrived in a UK sz 8/ US sz 11 (the largest they do) and... they're too small! They fit to perfection my 10 year old daughter (who is a size 7), so I guess I'll get the benefit of seeing them all summer, but it's not the same now, is it?

I'm posting from the UK so our Clarks may be different to yours. But I recently bought the most comfortable sandals of my life from there, and they're cute too - I've received more than one compliment whilst wearing them. And I have the ugliest feet known to woman. I indulged in my first ever session with a pumice this morning! Oh, it must be that time of year again...

I absolutely love them! They are so nifty! Don't worry about them being beige, sometimes it can seem a bit old granny-ish but they are so funky so no need to worry! And also I am sure you would wear them with something really lovely!

I love these! Definitely not "fuddy duddy" at all; very cute and versatile! I like the idea of having at least one pair of beige shoes in my wardrobe; something similar to one's skin tone can be great for elongating legs or blending in a bit more when you want the rest of the outfit to take center stage. I say go for these!

I'm in a seasonal shoe buying mood lately too! Although this year I'm trying not to go overboard. ;) I just ordered pair of tan wedges from ASOS and am eagerly awaiting their arrival!

definitely 'yea'! versatile basics are too easy to overlook and leave out of your closet for more exciting fun things - things which never seem to go with what you want to wear, but gosh they're cute!and Clarks are amazing, and comfortable!i'm finding myself lacking in a good basic neutral shoe, my must-have spring/summer shoes are white/nude/pale grey, flats or sandals, something that will go with vintage sundresses in fun colors/prints, but not overwhelm them. one bright/fun thing per outfit is all i can handle. :)

Now redundant but oh yay, I love these! One thing, I am not so crazy about beige shoes either, but try it. If you get tired of the color, it´s very easy to dye pale shoes darker. I think you are supposed to use a special cleansing product but where I bought the dye they advised me to rub out all the color you can with some cotton wool and rubbing alcohol and then apply the dye with a sponge and a brush ( you need both actually. sponge to smooth, brush to make it stick some places). Let it dry, apply a second coat, let it dry really well before using. So far a success.